The Team
We're a competitive bunch...On and off the job.
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Kyle Rhodes Founder / CEO
Meet Kyle Rhodes.
He’s the man who started it all at Focus Staff. An avid outdoor fan, when not captaining the ship, you’ll probably find Kyle mountain biking or other sports. But whatever he’s doing—helping healthcare professionals on their journey, coaching the team, or competing in some ridiculous fashion—he’s all-in. Oh, and he was born on a leap day, so that makes him roughly 9 years old.
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John Francis Senior Recruiter II
Meet John Francis.
With Focus Staff for over 8 years now, this U.S. Marine was built for a challenge. Which is why he’s so good at what he does: helping health care professionals find their perfect 13-week assignments and backing them up the whole way. Oh, and if you’re ever in a pizza eating contest with him, prepare to lose.
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Alisha Dixon Recruitment Manager
Meet Alisha Dixon.
Take the heart of a true Texan, ixnay the boots, the Country Music taste and the drawl, and you’ll end up with Alisha. A traveler (and marine biologist) at heart, she’ll keep her promises to her clients as long as it doesn’t get her locked in jail. That’s a good policy to abide by.
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Kristie Agyepong VP of Advisory Services
Meet Kristie Agyepong.
She’s been with Focus Staff for more than 9 years. Yeah, you read it right…9 years! She got into the field because she thought helping people explore the country would be a fascinating way to live life. Exploring is in her blood. She moved to Dallas at 20 with nothing in her pockets. She comes with a wealth of knowledge, and a mastery of the staffing industry. Her best advice is to “ask as many questions as you can! I have or will find the answers!”
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Patrick Aunkst Managing Partner
Meet Patrick Aunkst.
He’s been with Focus Staff for four years, but having owned and sold his own staffing agency, knows this industry inside and out. He’s a no-bullsh*tter from birth, but in his own words, is passionate about staffing because “I like the challenge of finding people jobs they don’t even know exist.”
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Shelby Curry Operations Manager
Meet Shelby Curry.
She actually started here a temp, but quickly became invaluable to our operations, and is now Operations Manager. This southerner (ask her to say “bless your heart” sometime… seriously, it’s amazing!) really knows how to get things done around the office, which includes making our healthcare pros happy every… single… day!
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Gretchen Williamson AR/AP Coordinator
Meet Gretchen Williamson.
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Sean Robbins Recruitment Manager
Meet Sean Robbins.
He comes from the mortgage industry and hated how self-serving it seemed. Now with Focus Staff for over two years, he’s “finally at home” in a place he can actually make people’s lives better by helping them find their way on fascinating adventures. We’re just glad he’s not breaking any bones “successfully” skateboarding anymore.
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Darryl Clark Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Darryl Clark.
Born and bred in Dallas, Darryl is a huge fan of the Mavericks. MFFL (that’s Mavs Fan for Life, for those not in the know). Before joining Focus Staff and getting into the staffing industry, Darryl was a Baptist Missionary, going on missionary trips to Albania and the Czech Republic. A life long student, Darryl is devoted to learning something new every day. You may find him sending a daily motivational quote, or thought for the day. Now, who doesn’t appreciate that?!?
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Holly Boyes Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Holly Boyes.
Originally born in Houston Texas, and raised by two “amazingly supportive” parents. Holly claims her three best friends to be her younger brother and two older sisters. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Public Relations. She loves hiking, and has struggled her way to the top of Colorado peaks. She is also a pretty solid golfer. Her true calling is to give back to others, and loves the opportunity to help healthcare professionals find amazing jobs.
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Shari Sally Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Shari Sally.
A lifelong native of Dallas Texas, and Dallas Cowboys lover. Sunday football games, are what brought her family together weekly. She has been a successful nursing recruiter for 4 years now, and believes its her true calling. She loves helping people, both inside of work and out. When shes not busy finding amazing travel assignments for her folks, you may find her cooking, dancing, or traveling. You may also find her with her best friend; her 97 year old grandmother who she says is one of the most wise and funny people she has ever known.
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Mike Arkfeld VP of Account Management
Meet Mike Arkfeld.
A true Midwesterner, Mike was born in Iowa, raised in Omaha and just recently transplanted to the great state of Texas. He loves it so far, aside from the wickedly hot summers.
As the VP of Business Development, Mike is overseeing all things production-from recruiting to client acquisition and all the details in between. He is pulling from over twenty years experience in the staffing industry to make all this happen at Focus Staff.
When he’s not working on Focus’ growth, Mike will likely be spending time with his wife and two sons. At the end of the day, he finds great joy in what we do here, in that it greatly impacts patients and their needs if we can provide the staff to heal them.
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Scott Rundlett Director of Business Development
Meet Scott Rundlett.
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Trent Hendrixson Director of Operations
Meet Trent Hendrixson.
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Sydney Wilcox Manager of Information Systems
Meet Sydney Wilcox.
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Drew Dougherty Account Manager
Meet Drew Dougherty.
Drew was born in Dallas, and then spent most of his formative years growing up in the suburbs just north of Dallas.
His favorite movie is either War Dogs, or Wolf of Wall Street. We promise he doesn’t act anything like that guy however. He loves to get out on the lake for the water sports. He also loves to play golf any chance he can.
He is a proud alum of the University of Oklahoma, and hes not the first in his family. His grandparents, parents, and his sister all went to OU as well.
He has since been in the staffing business every since graduation. In his words, “I love what I do because I’m in the people business. Its hard not to love that.”
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Ryan Banker Strategic Account Manager
Meet Ryan Banker.
Ryan may not be a healthcare professional doing travel assignments however has done his share moving around the country. He is originally from Delaware, however, has made his way around between Fort Lauderdale where he got his healthcare staffing career started and now resides in Atlanta, GA. Ryan has been doing the account management and business development side of healthcare staffing for going on 5 years now and always tries to go about every day with a student mentality to learn every day.
When Ryan is not helping health care facilities staff their needs he enjoys being with his wife, playing in recreational kickball and volleyball leagues, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Amanda Krause Account Manager
Meet Amanda Krause.
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McKenzie DiNome Strategic Account Manager
Meet McKenzie DiNome.
McKenzie is originally from NY, and now lives in South Florida. She has been in the health care staffing industry for over 16 years. McKenzie is known for her impressive work ethic and absolute dedication to her clients. Every day she wakes up feeling grateful for the opportunity to place clinicians in communities that really need them.
On the weekends, you can find her spending quality time with her two young sons, either on the football field or at a Community Center for theater. Her family also loves the beach and spends as much time as possible enjoying the Florida weather. When not outdoors, she is in the kitchen perfecting her family’s Italian recipes
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Allison Corrente Account Manager
Meet Allison Corrente.
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Laura Farah Manager of Corporate Development
Meet Laura Farah.
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Joe Pagano Recruitment Manager
Meet Joe Pagano.
Joe was originally born in Stormville New York, and then raised in Dutchess County New York. He is one of our few northerners, but we wont hold it against him.
He currently has his hands full with his 9 month old daughter, Gabriela. He also two beautiful pets; Luna (dog) and Minerva (cat).
Prior to working at Focus Staff, Joe was a plumber; investment property manager, and general manager of a bar and sports facility. Safe to assume he is a jack of all trades!
Two of his favorite movies are Full Metal Jacket, and Patton. In his spare time, he loves to do anything outdoors and especially camping and fishing.
To quote Joe on why he loves what he does, “I love what I do because of the gratification I get from helping someone get hired for a position they want. Knowing that their work there will help improve the quality of care and life for the facility’s patients is something to take great joy in.”
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Veneeka Norris Senior Credentialing Analyst
Meet Veneeka Norris.
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Nicole Martinez Credentialing Analyst
Meet Nicole Martinez.
Nicole was born in Dallas Texas, and raised in the suburbs in Garland.
In her spare time, she loves to play rugby, hike, and do anything outdoors. When shes not outside, she loves to find new restaurants, and explore the culinary scene along with a nice glass of wine.
She also loves to spend time with her loving wife, and their two ‘fur kids’.
Prior to working with Focus Staff, Nicole was in the military for thirteen years. In that time, she had the pleasure of traveling all over Asia for three of those years.
She loves what she does because she gets the chance to interact with people from all different backgrounds, and she loves to hear all of their unique stories.
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Dalena Le Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Dalena Le.
Dalena was born in California and has now lived half of her life in California, and half in Texas.
One of her favorite sayings is “Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.” She is passionate about happiness and being a positive force.
She got into recruiting because she wanted to start a new adventure, and chapter in her life.
When she’s not recruiting, you can find her reading, writing poetry and spoken word. *snaps*
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Jordi Trinidad Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Jordi Trinidad.
Jordi was born in Mexico City, and raised in Arlington Texas. He loves soccer, and Real Madrid is his favorite team.
He is passionate about technology, fashion, fitness, and design. That is why he loves the Focus Staff’s modern office design so much.
He got into recruiting, because he loves being the connection on jobs, and helping people make more money in traveling. Before getting into recruiting and graduating college, he worked at Home Depot. So if you have any questions on flooring, or dryers, he is your guy!
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Chelsea Sanders Government Accounts Admin
Meet Chelsea Sanders.
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Alea Yaeger Compliance & Office Coordinator
Meet Alea Yaeger.
Alea is very new to Texas and has enjoyed exploring the city with her adorable Miniature Australian Shepard, Baker. Born and raised in a small town in central Ohio, yes she is a true midwestern. Go Bucks! She is the glue to holds our office together, though she may never brag about herself! Outside the office you will find her spending time with = family, watching movies, or trying different restaurants here in Texas. She is obsessed with True Crime podcasts, Redhanded is her favorite, and reading almost anything.
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Patricia Toby Administrative Assistant
Meet Patricia Toby.
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Delaney Damon Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Delaney Damon.
Delaney is one of our few employees who isn’t from Texas. We won’t hold that against her. She is originally from Arvada Colorado, and has spent a number of years in the service industry. She had a lot of experience in recruiting and management there, and loves the idea of doing so in the healthcare space. Since she is new to Dallas, she is often getting out and exploring her new city and its restaurant scene. If she is having a bad day, she believes she can “toss my hair into a messy bun, put on some rap, and then I can handle about anything!”
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Stacy Gallegos Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Stacy Gallegos.
Stacy is one of the few team members, not from Texas originally. She grew up in Auburn, California.
She loves music, and has too many favorite artists to pick just one. Her dad owned a record company, so music was everything in her household growing up. She loves everything from Jazz, to rap, to rock and roll…but no “head banging” stuff she says. She loves movies, and two of her favorites are True Romance and The Professional.
In her spare time, which she says is “very spare”, she loves arts, crafts, reading, and doing yard work.
Stacy was actually a traveling CNA with Focus Staff for several years before coming onto the team as a recruiter. This gives her a unique perspective, and compassion for her travelers. She always found herself teaching people about traveling, and it just seemed like a natural transition to become a full time recruiter.
“If it is what it is, then it can’t be what it is not!”
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Jennifer Hale Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Jennifer Hale.
Jennifer is from San Mateo, California! You can catch Jennifer enjoying outdoor activities, listening to music, and spending time with her granddaughter and fur babies. She loves animals, tattoos and traveling. Jennifer has traveled to every country and excited to knock 8 states in the US off her list. She must admit that Belize and Honduras were one of her favorite adventures!
Jennifer’s friend of 15 years introduced her to recruiting. Now they are both happy employees at Focus Staff. Jennifer states, “the best thing about my position is being able to help healthcare professionals get positions that they love and seeing travelers explore the world!”
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Gabriele Darko Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Gabriele Darko.
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Toni Papamihalis Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Toni Papamihalis.
Toni was born and raised here in Dallas, Texas. She comes from both Greek and Salvadorian descent. If having trouble, her last name is pronounced “Poppa-ma-hal-is.” We know, lots of vowels there.
She loves collecting jewelry, sneakers, comedies, shopping, eating and her two husky dogs.
Prior to working at Focus Staff, she was involved in hiring for Target. She has always been drawn to the people side of business, and loves helping travelers find great assignments while helping them make rewarding paychecks.
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Nicole Messer Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Nicole Messer.
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Ashley Huffer Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Ashley Huffer.
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Tyron Woolridge Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Tyron Woolridge.
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Marybel Martinez Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Marybel Martinez.
Marybel was born in Dallas Texas, and then raised in the northern suburbs thereafter.
She is the mother of three wonderful “babies” as she calls them. Their ages are 17, 15, and 12 so not exactly babies anymore!
Prior to working at Focus Staff, she worked with pediatrics in a clinic setting and loved working with the patients and their families.She is a self described “homebody” but does love to host house parties. She loves any movie with Leonardo DiCaprio in it, or Gerard Butler, or Brad Pitt of course.
She loves recruiting because she gets to talk to such a wide variety of people everyday. Getting to know them, their motivations, and their background is such a fun part of her work. She says calling a candidate with a job offer is a thrill like no other!
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Angela Housey-Spruill Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Angela Housey-Spruill.
Angela is one of our few North-easterners, and was born and raised in Stamford Connecticut.
She has been married for a really long time and is very happy about it too! She has three amazing sons, all of whom are grown. She does very much, miss them being small however. She looks forward to becoming a grandmother but thats all still in the works.
Her favorite movie is “Collateral Beauty” and she loves taking long drives and blogging in her spare time. She loves her house plants, so much so that she sings to them. Hey, whatever it takes to keep those little babies happy!
She has been in the travel nurse space for quite some time, and really loves helping nurses get awesome jobs and make great money while doing it. In her words, she loves to “help people get to their placed called ‘better’!”
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Angelina Jacobs Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Angelina Jacobs.
Angelina was originally born in Charleston South Carolina, but was raised in sunny Tampa Bay. She has now been in the industry several years, as a top producer, and knows her way around a travel assignment or two!
She loves to travel, enjoy new ‘foodie’ spots, and has a passion for live jazz and live music altogether.
She rescued a chichuaha mix, that is the feistiest but also sweetest dog ever. She considers the doggie, her second daughter along with her 9 year old ‘human’ daughter.
Her favorite thing about her job is building long term relationships with her travelers and living their journeys vicariously. -
Jon Pedoulas Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Jon Pedoulas.
Jon is originally from Jacksonville Florida, and now lives in San Antonio Texas.
He has been in the industry for a couple years now, and in this brief time, he has shown to be a extremely competent and high performing recruiter.
In his spare time, he loves to hike with his wife and dogs, play tennis, go golfing, and watch football.
He has a full house at present, with 3 dogs and 3 cats. His vacuum cleaner definitely gets a workout!
His favorite thing about healthcare recruiting is getting to work with awesome nurses every day and learn their personal stories. Every day in recruiting is different, and he loves being able to impact someone’s life and career in the positive. -
Ragene Comanche Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Ragene Comanche.
Ragene aka “Gena” Comanche was born and raised in Arlington Texas, just outside of Dallas.
She loves cooking, binging on Netflix dramas, playing Dominos, and writing in her spare time.
Her favorite movie is Next Friday (RIP Debo). She has two beautiful pitbulls/fur babies named Rose’ and a boy named Kilo.
She loves recruiting and what she does because of the relationships she is building with people from all over the country and with different backgrounds.
Words she ascribes and lives to are “the only limitations you’ll ever have are those that you place upon yourself.”
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Candi Wagoner Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Candi Wagoner.
Prior to Focus Staff, Candi was in Real Estate and Retail Management and with her daughter going to Nursing School, this career change finally felt right! She’s also a mom to two fur-babies, Rottweilers and shih tzu, great combo right. Candi was a competitive volleyball athlete for 25 years, so naturally she is driven to never stop, which makes her FS material.
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Jessika Smith Perm Placement Recruiter
Meet Jessika Smith.
Jessika is a passionate Permanent Placement recruiter who loves listening to the colorful stories of the talented professionals she works with and helping them find fulfillment in their careers. A bit of a nomad, she has lived in 4 other states (New York, North Carolina, Florida and New Jersey) before calling Texas home. When she’s not working, you can find Jessika exploring DFW with her husband and son or relaxing at home with their dog and two cats. Never a dull moment in the Smith house! And that’s the way she likes it.
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Kaylee Boyd Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Kaylee Boyd.
Working relentlessly to be able to get the job done after three years in different backgrounds of recruiting. I always put the candidate first and support them in any opportunities that Focus Staff Offer.
With being a natural Snowbird that fell in love with Florida to almost being the girl that never wants to leave her boat. I go out on Water Skiing and Wake Boarding with my family on my time off. Recruiting is something that I am passionate about and never see myself doing anything else.
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Kyle Deaton Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Kyle Deaton.
Born and raised in Des Moines, IA. Moved to D/FW after HS. Northern at heart. Stayed for the warm weather. Worked in clinical and corporate healthcare for past 10 years prior to Focus Staff. COVID summer let me re-binge watch all my fav shows – peaky blinders, psych, sherlock. Chipotle is life – life is Chipotle. If you don’t catch me with a chicken bowl in hand it will probably be a sushi roll instead.
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Nicki Crowe Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Nicki Crowe.
Nicki is a life- long resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. Wife and mother of two grown boys, she also teaches boxing and kickboxing part-time. On the weekends, you can find her hiking with her husband and her Catahoula leopard dog, Blue or curled up with her cat, Belle, and a good book.
She is a lover of all genres of music and never leaves the house without her air pods!
With over 20 years in recruiting and professional placement, Nicki enjoys healthcare recruiting the most. To quote her, “I love working with healthcare providers, they are the most passionate and caring workers you will find. Helping them find a job they enjoy is very rewarding!” -
Nisi Mendez Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Nisi Mendez.
Nisi was born in Brooklyn, NY and has a Dominical background and is excited to call Dallas her new home. She enjoys painting, hiking, traveling, and trying foods from different countries.
Outside the office you will find Nisi with her Chihuahua, Lailah! She got into recruiting because she loves helping others and wants to help YOU find a job with ease and zero stress!
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Dallas Crawford Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Dallas Crawford.
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Jason Merkt Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Jason Merkt.
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Katy Stedman Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Katy Stedman.
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Maurisha Alston Healthcare Recruiter
Meet Maurisha Alston.